A Lost Art

Recently, I received an email from a friend and something dawned on me. She addressed everything that I had mentioned or asked in the email that I had sent to her. I love that because I truly believe the person “listened” to what I had to say or ask in my email.

Some people’s email is just … me, me, me. They don’t answer anything you asked or comment on something exciting you reported. It’s just a report of what they are doing. It is a one sided conversation and most likely they are the same people who don’t listen when you are talking.

Remember actual letters? I find it fascinating to read old letters from past eras, especially from composers, authors, or important political figures. The writing is colorful and some might say – flowery. But they sounded so eloquent, personal and educated. The whole art of writing a letter might be long gone. An email is often short, cryptic and with the influence of texting more akin to something that needs a person skilled in deciphering … . lmao, lol!

I don’t text. To begin with, I find it awkward to type on those tiny little keyboards. I like a regular keyboard so I can stretch out and write a real sentence and paragraph. More importantly, I find it hard to express a feeling in a text. An email is at least closer to a real letter and one can articulate a sentiment more easily.

When I write an email, I still write as though I am writing an actual letter, something that was taught in elementary school. I use correct grammar and sentence structure. I choose my words carefully and write in an educated manner. Oh, and before pushing that send button, I proofread!!

So the next time you are constructing an email to a friend take a look at what you have composed. Would your grammar school teacher be proud of you? Oh wait, I’ve just dated myself with the term grammar school. For those of you younger, that is the same as elementary school. At any rate, happy writing!